Market Start Up Programme in pursuit of new traders
A new Market Start Up Programme has been launched to attract new traders to The Shambles Variety Market in Armagh City.
The programme, run by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in association with Lara Goodall Consulting and Nuala Foley & Associates, is designed to help individuals and small companies get extra help and professional support to set up and run their own stall at the market which runs on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Joleen McColgan, Development Officer (Markets and Open Spaces) with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said, “We are seeking new and unusual traders, and are particularly keen to attract traders selling crafts, bedding, jams, chutneys, toys and handmade items.
“In the current economic climate, it can be difficult for people selling goods to go down the traditional retail route of renting commercial space and thus incurring high overheads. Market trading at The Shambles Variety Market offers a low-cost, low-risk way into trialing the commercial viability of your products and creates a steady platform of customers to build on.
“As a Council, we are investing in the programme to help rejuvenate the economy of Armagh City by encouraging more traders to the market. It is a beautiful area that has recently undergone significant redevelopment and as such is a great tourist spot for visitors to the historic city.”
Lara Goodall, Lara Goodall Consulting, is keen for people to apply for the new programme. “The Market Start Up Programme is an excellent way for people to experiment with an idea they might have about trading on their own,” explains Lara. Perhaps you are a keen crafter, a budding photographer, an artist wishing to sell your creative pieces or maybe you are a producer of artisan food and need a market to test out your produce.
“Our team will assist by offering marketing advice and mentoring to participants teaching them the basics of establishing and running a business. We will look at product development, pricing, packaging, marketing, branding, customer service – all key elements of creating a successful commercial enterprise.
“Part of the programme includes best practice visits to other markets where participants get to see and hear of other successful market traders and learn from their experience. A large part of our involvement is to build confidence in would-be traders and help them start to grow sustainable businesses.”
The programme is open to people from both within and outside of the Council areas. Applications can be obtained by emailing lara@laragoodallconsulting.com or via telephone 07793 388 343. Closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Tuesday 26th May 2015.
The Shambles Variety Market, situated on Cathedral Road, is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 8am until 4pm and there are both indoor and outdoor stalls offering a wide range of different products for sale. Customers can avail of the free on site car parking.
This article was written by purplerain